Newbery Medal 1955: Complete list of winners

The 1955 Newbery Medal, one of the most celebrated honors in children’s literature, went to Meindert De Jong for The Wheel on the School. De Jong’s charming novel, which follows a group of Dutch schoolchildren on a quest to attract storks to their village, captured the hearts of the Newbery Committee with its blend of whimsy, cultural richness, and genuine emotional depth. The award cemented De Jong’s place as a major voice in mid-century American children’s publishing, even as an author rooted in European storytelling traditions.

What makes De Jong’s victory particularly noteworthy is how The Wheel on the School represents a moment when the Newbery Medal—established in 1922 as America’s first children’s book award—continued to champion literature that offered young readers windows into different worlds and ways of life. De Jong’s accessible yet sophisticated prose, paired with the novel’s themes of community, determination, and connection to nature, resonated with judges who valued both literary merit and the capacity to genuinely engage young readers. The win reflected the post-war era’s growing appetite for international perspectives in children’s literature, a trend that would continue to influence the award’s selections in the years ahead.

Below, you’ll find detailed information about this landmark award year and De Jong’s winning work.

Children’s Literature

• The Wheel on the School by Meindert De Jong